Remote release snowboard binding

ABSTRACT

In one example, a snowboard binding includes a retention and release assembly configured to be mounted to a snowboard, and including a manually operable retention mechanism. The snowboard binding further includes a boot interface portion configured to releasably engage the retention and release assembly, and the boot interface portion further configured to releasably retain a boot, and when the boot interface portion is fully engaged with the retention and release assembly, the boot interface portion is rotatable relative to the retention and release assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally concerned with sporting equipmentand, in particular, with a remote release snowboard binding andassociated controls.

BACKGROUND

A number of advances have been made over the years to improve the safetyand functionality of snowboard bindings. However, those bindings stillsuffer from some shortcomings both in terms of their safety andconvenience of use.

For example, circumstances sometimes occur in which a rider is involvedin an incident such as a crash that, while not harmful in itself, maynonetheless place the rider in danger. By way of illustration, a ridermay get stuck in a tree well simply by riding too close to a tree.Although there may have been no crash, or only a minor crash, andpossibly only a minor fall involved, it is well known that tree wellscan be dangerous and, as such, the rider who falls into one may be in apotentially life threatening situation.

A significant part of the danger posed by tree wells is that it can bequite difficult for the rider to extricate himself, and riders have beenknown to suffocate, or die of hypothermia, in the attempt. Escape from atree well may be complicated significantly by the fact that the boots ofthe rider are still attached to his snowboard. This is becauseconventional snowboard bindings are fixed to the snowboard, such as byway of fasteners, and the rider can only get out of the bindings byreleasing the buckles that hold the boot of the rider in the binding.Such snowboard bindings are not designed, or intended, to automaticallyrelease the rider from the snowboard. As well, it is not uncommon forarider to end up in a head-down orientation in a tree well. When therider is positioned in this way, it may be difficult, or impossible, forthe rider to reach and release the binding.

Moreover, the rider may be in an awkward position that makes itdifficult or impossible to reach the bindings and unbuckle them. Thus,in this scenario, the snowboard binding may impair, or even prevent, therider from escaping his predicament. This could be particularlyproblematic, for example, in a backcountry scenario where there may befew other people nearby who could readily lend assistance to the trappedrider.

As a further illustrative example of some shortcomings of conventionalsnowboard bindings, it is not uncommon for novice riders, in particular,to get their snowboard caught on a chair, rope, tow, tram, gondola, orother equipment when the rider is loading or unloading. Because the lifttypically cannot stop immediately, the rider may find himself beingdragged, pulled, or flipped by his snowboard for some distance. In somecases, the forces involved may be significant enough to cause injury tothe rider.

Other shortcomings of typical snowboard bindings may be more a matter ofconvenience than safety. For example, when novice riders, particularlyyounger riders, crash or fall, they are still connected to theirsnowboard. It can be difficult for these riders to get back on theirfeet and begin riding again. This is particularly so if the rider shouldhappen to fall in relatively deep snow.

Moreover, even if a rider is experienced, it is not uncommon for ridersto be involved in crashes or falls. If such a crash or fall occurs indeep snow, for example, it can be quite difficult and time consuming forthe rider to dig out and return to riding if the board is still attachedto the boots of the rider, as is typically the case. Likewise, if a useris caught in an avalanche, it may be desirable to be able to release thesnowboard as quickly as possible so as to increase the chances of therider for survival.

In view of problems such as those noted, and others, what is needed is asnowboard binding configured to enable the rider to release himself fromthe snowboard at any time on his initiative. As well, the snowboardbinding should be configured to release the user from the snowboard withlittle or no effort on the part of the user. For example, the usershould not have to operate any of the buckles of the snowboard bindingto be released from the snowboard. Moreover, the snowboard bindingshould enable the boot of the rider to remain buckled into a portion ofthe binding both during and after release of the rider from thesnowboard. Finally, the snowboard binding should be compatible withcontemporary snowboard designs so that it can be used without requiringsignificant modifications to the snowboard.

Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

The present disclosure is generally concerned with snow sport devicesand associated bindings. One particular, but non-limiting, example of asnow sport device is a snowboard that includes snowboard bindings and,more particularly, snowboard bindings that can release a snowboard atany time upon the initiative of the user. That is, when the snowboard isreleased, the snowboard is no longer connected, either directly orindirectly, to the user. To illustrate, the user can pick up and carrythe snowboard after the snowboard has been released. This releasefunction of the snowboard binding can be effected remotely by a userand/or another.

A. Elements of Some Example Embodiments

More particularly, example embodiments within the scope of thisdisclosure may include one or more of the following elements, in anycombination: a snowboard binding configured and operable to enable auser to release a snowboard at any time upon the initiative of the user,and the binding is configured to be only manually actuated; a snowboardbinding configured and operable to enable a user to release a snowboardat any time upon the initiative of the user, and the binding isconfigured to be manually actuated by way of a cable and handleassembly; a snowboard binding configured and operable to enable a userto release a snowboard at any time upon the initiative of the user, andthe binding is configured to be electronically and/or manually actuated;a snowboard binding configured and operable to enable a user to releasea snowboard at any time upon the initiative of the user, and the bindingis configured to be only electronically actuated; a snowboard bindingconfigured and operable to enable a user to release a snowboard at anytime upon the initiative of the user; a snowboard binding configured andoperable to enable a user to release a snowboard at any time uponactuation of a wireless remote control that is in operable communicationwith the snowboard binding; a snowboard binding that comprises aretention and release assembly and a boot interface portion; a retentionand release assembly and boot interface portion configured to releasablyengage each other; a retention and release assembly and boot interfaceportion configured to releasably engage each other, and the retentionand release assembly is operable with a wireless remote control; a bootinterface portion; a boot interface portion configured to releasablyengage with a retention and release assembly; a boot interface portionthat includes one or more straps, buckles and/or other adjustable and/ornonadjustable retention devices operable to releasably secure a portionof a boot in the boot interface portion; a boot interface portionconfigured for rotational motion relative to a retention and releaseassembly; a retention and release assembly configured to interface witha snowboard; a retention and release assembly configured to interfacewith a binding mounting mechanism of a snowboard; a retention andrelease assembly configured to connect to a one or more correspondingstructures of a snowboard; a retention and release assembly configuredso that a boot interface portion can engage with, and disengage from,the retention and release assembly by way of a rotational movement ofthe boot interface portion; a retention and release assembly configuredto releasably lock together with a boot interface portion; a retentionand release assembly that is compatible for attachment to a snowboardthat has a mounting channel; a wireless remote control device operableby a user to operate a retention and release assembly of a snowboardbinding so as to enable the snowboard to be released by the user; asnowboard binding including electronics, which may be actuated remotelyby a user, that are operable to emit an active locator signalperceptible by a user; a snowboard binding including electronics, whichmay or may not be actuated remotely by a user, that are operable to emitan active locator signal perceptible by an electronic signal detectiondevice, such as an RF beacon; a snowboard binding including electronics,which may be actuated remotely by a user, that are operable to emit anactive locator signal, and the active locator signal is any one or moreof a visual signal, an audible signal, or an RF signal; a snowboardbinding that includes a passive reflector which returns a signal uponreceipt of an RF signal at a surface of the passive reflector; asnowboard binding that includes a passive reflector and also includeselectronics, which may be actuated remotely by a user, that are operableto emit an active locator signal perceptible by a user; a snowboard withone, or two, snowboard bindings; and, a snowboard with any of thefollowing combinations of binding types—2 electronically actuated, or 2manually actuated, or 1 manually actuated and 1 electronically actuated,or 1 manually actuated and 1 conventional binding, or 1 electronicallyactuated and 1 conventional binding.

B. List of Some Illustrative Embodiments

Following is a list of various example embodiments of the invention. Itshould be noted that such embodiments, and the other embodimentsdisclosed herein, do not constitute an exhaustive summary of allpossible embodiments, nor does this summary constitute an exhaustivelist of all aspects of any particular embodiment(s). Rather, thissummary simply presents selected aspects of some example embodiments. Itshould be noted that nothing herein should be construed as constitutingan essential or indispensable element of any invention or embodiment.Rather, and as the person of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combinedin a variety of ways so as to define yet further embodiments. Suchfurther embodiments are considered as being within the scope of thisdisclosure. As well, none of the embodiments embraced within the scopeof this disclosure should be construed as resolving, or being limited tothe resolution of, any particular problem(s). Nor should suchembodiments be construed to implement, or be limited to implementationof, any particular effect(s).

In a first example embodiment, a binding for a snow sport deviceincludes a boot interface portion and a remotely operable retention andrelease assembly, and the boot interface portion and the retention andrelease assembly are configured to releasably engage each other.

In a second example embodiment, a snowboard binding includes a bootinterface portion and a remotely operable retention and releaseassembly, and the boot interface portion and the retention and releaseassembly are configured to releasably engage each other.

In a third example embodiment, a snowboard binding includes a bootinterface portion and a remotely operable retention and releaseassembly, and the boot interface portion and the retention and releaseassembly are configured to releasably engage each other, and the bootinterface portion is configured to removably receive a portion of aboot, and the retention and release assembly is configured to be mountedto a snowboard.

In a fourth example embodiment, a snowboard binding includes a bootinterface portion and a remotely operable retention and releaseassembly, the boot interface portion and the retention and releaseassembly are configured to rotatably engage with, and disengage from,each other.

In a fifth example embodiment, a snowboard binding includes a bootinterface portion and a remotely operable retention and release assemblythat are configured to releasably engage each other such that rotationof the boot interface portion in a first direction engages the bootinterface portion with the retention and release assembly, and rotationof the boot interface portion in a second direction disengages the bootinterface portion from the retention and release assembly.

In a sixth example embodiment, a snowboard binding includes a bootinterface portion and a retention and release assembly configured toreleasably engage each other, and the retention and release assembly isremotely operable by a wireless electronic device.

In a seventh example embodiment, a snow sport device includes one ormore bindings, and one or more of the bindings includes a boot interfaceportion and a remotely operable retention and release assembly mountedto the snow sport device, and the boot interface portion and theretention and release assembly are configured to releasably engage eachother.

In an eighth example embodiment, a snowboard includes one or morebindings, and one or more of the bindings includes a boot interfaceportion and a remotely operable retention and release assembly mountedto the snowboard, and the boot interface portion and the retention andrelease assembly are configured to releasably engage each other.

In a ninth example embodiment, a snowboard includes one or moresnowboard bindings, and one or more of the snowboard bindings includes aboot interface portion and a remotely operable retention and releaseassembly mounted to the snowboard, and the boot interface portion andthe retention and release assembly are configured to releasably engageeach other, and the retention and release assembly is remotely operableby a wireless electronic device.

In a tenth example embodiment, a snowboard includes one or moresnowboard bindings, and one or more of the snowboard bindings includes aboot interface portion and a remotely operable retention and releaseassembly that are configured to releasably engage each other such thatrotation of the boot interface portion in a first direction engages theboot interface portion with the retention and release assembly, androtation of the boot interface portion in a second direction disengagesthe boot interface portion from the retention and release assembly.

In a eleventh example embodiment, a snowboard includes one or morebindings, and the snowboard includes one or more binding mountingdevices, each in the form of one of a 2×4 bolt mounting pattern, a 4×4bolt mounting pattern, a diamond shaped 3D bolt mounting pattern, or achannel system comprising 2 channels, and one or more of the bindingsincludes a boot interface portion and a remotely operable retention andrelease assembly mounted to the split board, and the boot interfaceportion and the retention and release assembly are configured toreleasably engage each other.

In a twelfth example embodiment, a split board includes one or morebindings, and one or more of the bindings includes a boot interfaceportion and a remotely operable retention and release assembly mountedto the split board, and the boot interface portion and the retention andrelease assembly are configured to releasably engage each other.

In a thirteenth example embodiment, a snowboard binding includes a bootinterface portion and a manually operable retention and releaseassembly, and the boot interface portion and the retention and releaseassembly are configured to releasably engage each other.

In a fourteenth example embodiment, a snowboard binding includes a bootinterface portion and a manually operable retention and releaseassembly, and the boot interface portion and the retention and releaseassembly are configured to releasably engage each other, and themanually operable retention and release assembly includes a cableoperably connected to one or more other components of the retention andrelease assembly and the cable is connected to a handle that may beconnected to the boot interface portion and that is arranged to begrasped by a user such that the user can move the cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of example embodiments to furtherillustrate and clarify various aspects of the present invention. It willbe appreciated that these drawings depict only example embodiments ofthe invention and are not intended to limit its scope. Aspects of theinvention will be described and explained with additional specificityand detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 discloses aspects of an example snowboard and bindings.

FIG. 2a discloses aspects of an example snowboard binding.

FIG. 2b discloses an example channel mount configuration for a snowboardbinding.

FIGS. 3a-3j disclose various aspects of an example remote releasesnowboard binding.

FIGS. 4a-4c disclose aspects of an example retention and releaseassembly.

FIGS. 5a-5d disclose various operational aspects of an example remoterelease snowboard binding.

FIG. 6 is a block wiring diagram of an example control system.

FIG. 7 discloses an example of a key fob configured to house a remotecontrol system.

FIG. 8 is a block wiring diagram of an example remote control system.

FIGS. 9-12 are directed to an alternative embodiment of a remote releasesnowboard binding.

FIGS. 13a-13e are directed to a further alternative embodiment of aremote release snowboard binding.

FIGS. 14a-14e are directed to another alternative embodiment of a remoterelease snowboard binding.

FIGS. 15a-15b are directed to another alternative embodiment of a remoterelease snowboard binding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In general, embodiments of the invention are concerned with snow sportdevices and associated bindings. One particular, but non-limiting,example of a snow sport device is a snowboard that includes a pair ofsnowboard bindings, each of which can accommodate a respective boot of auser and, more particularly, snowboard bindings that can release asnowboard at any time upon the initiative of the user. This releasefunction of the snowboard binding can be effected remotely by a userwith a wireless remote control. The remote control can be implemented ina variety of mechanisms, such as a key fob or smartphone, for example.

The snowboard binding may include a boot interface portion with buckles,clips and/or other retention devices that enable a user to removablyretain his boot in the boot interface portion. The boot interfaceportion may include a spring-loaded pin that is biased so as to extendout of the boot interface portion and configured to be removablyreceived in a corresponding recess defined by the retention and releaseassembly so that when the pin is so received, the boot interface portionand the retention and release assembly are locked together. In analternative embodiment, the pin and recess arrangement is reversed sothat the spring-loaded pin is included in the retention and releaseassembly and the recess is defined in the boot interface portion.

The retention and release assembly is configured to be attached to theupper surface of a snowboard by way of a mounting mechanism that isincluded as part of the snowboard. A generally circular housing isprovided that houses the electronics for remote control of the retentionand release assembly, and also houses a motor that is operable to effectmotion of a plunger configured for reciprocal motion within the recessin which the spring-loaded pin is received so as to engage thespring-loaded pin of the boot interface portion. The housing includes aflange that engages corresponding structure of the boot interfaceportion so that the boot interface portion can rotate relative to theretention and release assembly when the boot interface portion andretention and release assembly are unlocked from each other.

In operation, a user can place the boot interface portion, within whichhis boot has been secured, on the housing so that the flange of thehousing engages corresponding structure of the boot interface portion.As the user rotates the boot interface portion by movement of his foot,the spring-loaded pin of the boot interface portion is brought intoalignment with, and extends into, the recess of the retention andrelease assembly housing, thus locking the boot interface positionrelative to the housing. After this operation is repeated for the otherboot, the rider is locked to the snowboard. Note that in somealternative embodiments, only one of the snowboard bindings isconfigured to enable the boot interface portion to lock to, and releasefrom, the snowboard, and the other snowboard binding is permanentlyfixed to the snowboard.

When the rider is ready to release the snowboard, actuation of thewireless remote control causes the motor to extend the plunger, which isin contact with the spring-loaded pin, thereby overcoming the biasimposed on the spring-loaded pin to move the spring-loaded pin into aposition where it is fully received in the boot interface portion. Alimit switch in the housing causes the operation of the motor to ceaseonce the plunger has been extended as described. When the spring-loadedpin has been pushed back into the boot interface portion, the bootinterface portion is then free to rotate relative to the retention andrelease assembly, and the user can then effect release of the snowboardby a short twist of the boot interface portion. To reattach the bootinterface portion to the retention and release assembly, the user canactuate the remote control to reset the retention and release assemblyby causing the motor to retract the plunger so that the spring-loadedpin can again be accommodated in the recess in which the plungeroperates. The limit switch causes operation of the motor to stop oncethe plunger has been retracted fully.

Advantageously, embodiments of the invention enable a user to effect apositive locking of the boot interface portion to the retention andrelease assembly. This locking operation can be performed by the usersolely as a manual process without requiring use of the wireless remotecontrol. As well, the user can quickly and easily release the snowboardby simply actuating the wireless remote control and giving a short twistof his foot. Further, embodiments of the invention can be employed withknown snowboard binding mounting mechanisms. Another advantage of thedisclosed embodiments is that the bindings provide a significant levelof convenience for the user in that the user can quickly, easily, andreliably, release one foot from the snowboard when the need arises, suchas when a user is getting ready to ride a ski lift for example, or whena user needs to push himself through a flat spot in the terrain, forexample.

A. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

In general, the snowboard bindings, snowboards, and remote controldevices disclosed herein, may be constructed with a variety ofcomponents and materials including, but not limited to, adhesives,plastic, rubber, metal, fiberglass, composites, polytetrafluouroethylene(PTFE), carbon fiber, and any combination of these. Suitable metals mayinclude brass, steel, titanium, aluminum, and aluminum alloys, althoughthe skilled person will understand that a variety of other metals may beemployed as well and the scope of the invention is not limited to theforegoing examples. These construction materials can be employed inconnection with a variety of processes including, but not limited to,machining, injection molding, or die casting.

Depending upon the material(s) employed in the construction of thesnowboards, snowboard bindings, and remote control devices, a variety ofmethods and components may be used to connect, releasably orpermanently, various elements of the aforementioned devices. Forexample, the various elements of a snowboard binding within the scope ofthis disclosure may be attached to each other by any one or more ofprocesses such as welding or brazing, and/or mechanically by way offasteners such as bolts, screws, pins, and rivets, for example.

Some, none, or all of portions of a one or more of the snowboard,snowboard bindings, and remote control mechanisms and their componentsmay be coated with paint, super-hydrophobic coatings, or othermaterials. At least some of such materials may serve to help prevent, orreduce, rust and corrosion. Surface treatments and textures may also beapplied to portions of the snowboards, snowboard bindings, and remotecontrol mechanisms. Such surface treatments can be configured andemployed for circumstances where low friction is required between movingor movable parts, and also where relatively high friction, or resistanceto motion, is required between moving or movable parts.

In at least some embodiments, the binding is configured so that the rearfoot of the user is releasable, while the front foot is fixed to thesnowboard. In other embodiments, the binding is configured so that thefront foot of the user is releasable, while the rear foot is fixed tothe snowboard. In still other embodiments, the bindings are configuredso that both feet of the user are releasable from the snowboard.

B. General Aspects of an Example Snowboard Binding

With reference now to FIG. 1, an example snowboard assembly 100 includesa snowboard 200 to which a binding 300 is attached. The binding 300 isconfigured to releasably retain a snowboard boot (not shown). In thisparticular example, the snowboard 200 is a single piece snowboard. Inother embodiments however, the snowboard 200 can be a split board suchas used by backcountry snowboarders. In brief, a split board comprisestwo pieces that can be separated for touring in the backcountry, andthat can then be reattached to each other and used as a snowboard. Whilesome example snowboards and split boards are referenced herein, thescope of the invention is not limited to any particular snow sportdevice.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, and directing attention now to FIGS.2a and 2b , further details are provided concerning the configuration ofthe binding 300 as it relates to mounting on the snowboard 200. As shownin FIGS. 2a and 2b , the binding 300 includes a retention and releaseassembly 400 and boot interface portion 500 that are configured toreleasably engage each other. The boot interface portion 500 may includeone or more straps 502, buckles 504 and/or other retention devices toreleasably retain a boot (not shown) in the boot interface portion 500.

As best shown in FIG. 2b , one embodiment of the snowboard 200 maydefine a pair of channels 202, each of which is configured to interfacewith a respective binding 300, although only a single binding 300 isindicated in FIG. 2a . The channel 202 slidingly receives a pair ofretention elements 204 that can be moved along the channel 202 to adesired position. Each of the retention elements 204 defines a threadedrecess 206 configured to receive a portion of a corresponding threadedfastener 208. One example of such a channel configuration is TheChannel™ channel mount system configured for use with the Burton® ESTsnowboard binding.

The retention elements 204 are configured and arranged so that theycannot be pulled vertically out of the channel 202. In some cases, theretention elements 204 and channel 202 include respective teeth thatengage with each other when the retention elements 204 are tightened sothat the retention elements 204 cannot slide along the channel 202.

With particular reference to FIG. 2a , the fasteners 208 may be used tohold a baseplate 402 of the retention and release assembly 400 to thesnowboard 200. In this particular embodiment, the baseplate 402 definesa pair of slots 404 through which one of the fasteners 208 passes. Insome embodiments, a flange on each fastener 208 prevents the fastenerfrom being pulled through the baseplate 402, while in other embodiments,the fasteners 208 can be employed with washers (not shown) for the samepurpose. In general, the slots 404 are configured and arranged to enablea user to adjust the angle of the retention and release assembly 400and, thus, the foot of the user, relative to the snowboard 200. Once theslots 404 are in the desired orientation, the fasteners 208 are thentightened to secure the retention and release assembly 400 to thesnowboard 200.

C. Boot Interface Portion and Retention and Release Assembly

Turning now to FIGS. 3a-3h , details are provided concerning theconfiguration and operation of the retention and release assembly 400and the boot interface portion 500. As shown in FIGS. 3a-3c for example,the retention and release assembly 400 and the boot interface portion500 are respectively configured so that when those two elements areengaged with each other, the bottom of the baseplate 402 is flush, orsubstantially so, with the sole 506 of the of the boot interface portion500. In general, FIG. 3a shows the boot interface portion 500 fullyengaged with, but not locked to, the retention and release assembly 400,while FIG. 3b shows the boot interface portion 500 fully engaged with,and also locked to, the retention and release assembly 400.

As disclosed herein, the boot interface portion 500 may be made in wholeor in part of plastic, and the boot interface portion 500 may have anintegral, single piece construction. The baseplate 402 may be made inwhole or in part of metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy forexample.

As best shown in FIGS. 3a and 3c , the baseplate 402 forms part of ahousing 406 of the retention and release assembly 400. The housing 406additionally includes a sidewall 408 that cooperates with the baseplate402 to define part of an enclosure in which various electronic, andother, components are received (see FIGS. 4a-4c ). At its bottom edge,the sidewall 408 connects to the baseplate 402, and a flange 410 islocated at the top edge of the sidewall 408.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3a and 3c in particular, thebaseplate 402 includes a first curved portion 412 and a second curvedportion 414, each of which is configured and arranged to engage, androtate relative to, corresponding first curved portion 508 and secondcurved portion 510 of the boot interface portion 500. As shown in FIGS.3a-3c , the configuration of the baseplate 402 and the sole 506 are suchthat when those two elements are engaged, the baseplate 402 cannottranslate laterally, that is, in the X-direction (see FIG. 3d ),relative to the sole 506. As well, the baseplate 402 includes a straightside 416 configured and arranged to engage, and slide along, a straightedge 512 of the sole 506. Thus, when the sole 506 is oriented as shownin FIG. 3a , the boot interface portion 500 can be slid out ofengagement with the housing 406.

Turning now to FIGS. 3d-3i , and with continued attention as well toFIGS. 3a-3c , details are provided concerning the structures that enablethe retention and release assembly 400 and boot interface portion 500 toreleasably engage each other. As shown, the sole 506 of the bootinterface portion 500 defines an undercut 508 that is generally laid outin a U-shape, as best shown in FIG. 3f . The undercut 508 is configuredto receive the flange 410 of the retention and release assembly 400, asbest shown in FIG. 3g . This configuration and arrangement of the flange410 and undercut 508 prevents movement of the boot interface portion 500in the Y-direction (see FIG. 3d ) relative to the retention and releaseassembly 400. Thus, the only way that the boot interface portion 500 canbe disengaged completely from the retention and release assembly 400 isto slide, or translate, the boot interface portion 500 in theZ-direction (see FIG. 3d ) that is, in a direction laterally andgenerally perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis AA of the sole506.

Moreover, because the recess 511 of the sole 506 is closed at one sideby a sidewall 512 (see FIG. 3f ), and narrowed by the presence of thefirst curved portion 508 of the sole 506, the range of lateral movementof the boot interface portion 500 relative to the retention and releaseassembly 400 is limited by the sidewall 512 and by the first curvedportion 508, thus helping to ensure that the boot interface portion 500is properly positioned relative to the retention and release assembly400 before the boot interface portion 500 and retention and releaseassembly 400 are locked together. Correspondingly, the sidewall 512 andfirst curved portion 508 of the sole 506 may provide tactile feedback tothe user by preventing further motion of the boot interface portion 500when the boot interface portion 500 is fully received by the retentionand release assembly 400. Thus, and with reference to the example ofFIGS. 3a and 3f , there is only one way that the user can engage theboot interface portion 500 with the retention and release assembly 400,and that is by sliding the instep 513 of the boot interface portion 500onto the retention and release assembly 400.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 3a, 3f, 3h and 3i , it can beseen that the boot interface portion 500 includes a pin 514 that isbiased outwardly into the recess 511, such as by way of a spring (notshown) or comparable device. Thus, when the boot interface portion 500is moved laterally into engagement with the retention and releaseassembly 400, and after the boot interface portion 500 is fully seatedin the retention and release assembly 400 (see, e.g., FIG. 3a ), theuser may then rotate (counterclockwise in FIG. 3a ) the boot interfaceportion 500 until the pin 514 is aligned with the bore 418 in thesidewall 408 of the retention and release assembly 400, at which timethe spring-loaded pin 514 extends into the bore 418, thus securing theboot interface portion 500 from rotational motion relative to theretention and release assembly, and also locking the boot interfaceportion 500 to the retention and release assembly 400. The tip of thespring-loaded pin 514 may be beveled, or otherwise angled, similar tothe way in which the bolt of a door lock is angled, to better enabledisplacement of the spring-loaded pin 514 by the curved second portion414 (see, e.g., FIG. 3a ) of the baseplate 412 as the boot interfaceportion 500 is rotated into the locked position.

In some embodiments, respective indexing or alignment marks (not shown)can be provided on the boot interface portion 500 and on the retentionand release assembly 400, such as on the baseplate 402. Such indexingmarks may enable the user to visually confirm whether or not the bootinterface portion 500 and the retention and release assembly 400 arelocked together. Additionally, or alternatively, the binding 300 mayinclude one or more lights, such as an LED, that indicate whether or notthe boot interface portion 500 and the retention and release assembly400 are locked together. For example, a red LED indicates that lockinghas not occurred, while a green LED indicates that locking is complete.Such lights can be mounted in any suitable location where they would bevisible to the user. Another example of a feature that may be includedin any of the disclosed embodiments is a device for emitting one or moresounds, such as when battery power drops below a specified level, when aremote control has been turned on/off, when a user needs to locate hisboard in a rack at a ski resort, or in conjunction with the operation ofan electronic anti-theft lock which may be integrated into a snowboardbinding. Such a device may be electrically connected to, and maycommunicate with, a remote control device and/or to a retention andrelease assembly of a snowboard binding.

D. Details Regarding an Example Retention Mechanism

With reference now to FIGS. 4a-4c , further details are providedregarding the configuration and operation of the retention and releaseassembly 400. As indicated, the housing 406 is configured to holdvarious elements of a retention mechanism 450. Thus, the housing 406 mayinclude a separate detachable cover 407 that may be sealed to anotherportion of the housing 406 by a sealing element, such as an O-ring forexample. The detachable cover 407 may enable access to the retentionmechanism 450 so that elements of the retention mechanism 450 can berepaired or replaced, and/or so that software stored on computerreadable media in the housing 406 can be updated. In some embodiments,such software, which may be firmware, can be updated wirelessly using acomputing device and/or a wireless remote control.

In general, the retention mechanism 450 includes a plunger 452configured for reciprocal motion under the influence of a motor 454 thatis electrically powered by a power source 456 such as a battery. Themotor 454 is held in position by a motor clamp 458. A cross pin 460 inthe plunger 452 carries a limit switch actuator 462 that is configuredto interface with a limit switch 464. The cross pin 460 is also operableto stop, or prevent, counter-rotation of the plunger 452. Circuitry 600,which is configured for wireless communication with one or more externalelectronic devices, such as a remote control for example, is connectedwith the power source 456, motor 454, and the limit switch 464. Furtherdetails concerning the configuration and operation of the circuitry 600,which forms part of a control system, are provided in FIG. 6. In generalhowever, the circuitry 600 enables remote operation of the plunger 452so as to allow a user to disengage the boot interface portion from theretention and release assembly 400.

With particular reference to the motor 454 and plunger 452, the motor454 may include a threaded shaft that engages a corresponding threadedhole in the rear of the plunger 452 so that as the motor 454 shaftrotates, the plunger 452 is advanced or retracted depending upon thedirection of the rotation of the motor 454 shaft. As noted above, theplunger 452 includes cross pin 460 that carries limit switch actuator462 and is arranged transverse to a longitudinal axis BB defined by theplunger 452. Thus, as the plunger 452 moves back and forth along axisBB, the cross pin 460 moves in unison with the plunger 452. In someembodiments, a sealing element 461, which may be made of rubber,silicone, or other suitable compliant materials, is provided in the wall408 about the plunger 452 so as to help prevent the ingress of snow,ice, water and other foreign materials to the housing 406.

The motion of the cross pin 460 causes a corresponding back and forthmotion of the limit switch actuator 462 that is carried by the cross pin460. In general, the limit switch actuator 462 interfaces with the limitswitch 464, which may be a 2 position limit switch. When actuated, thelimit switch 464 cuts power to the motor 454 so that movement of theplunger 452, connected to the motor 454, ceases. In more detail, thelimit switch 464 includes a switch arm 464 a that interacts with limitswitch actuator 462 such that power to the motor 454 will be cut by thelimit switch 464 when the limit switch actuator 462 and, accordingly,the plunger 452, assumes one or the other of first and second prescribedpositions between which the plunger 452 moves under the influence of themotor 454. More specifically, movement of the limit switch actuator 462causes a corresponding movement of the switch arm 464 a of the limitswitch 464, and when the switch arm 464 a is moved by the limit switchactuator 462 to either of a first (see FIG. 4a ), or second opposing,position, the limit switch 464 operates to cut power to the motor 454.That is, when the plunger 452 is not in either of the aforementionedprescribed positions, power will continue to be supplied to the motor454 until the plunger 452 has moved into one of those prescribedpositions. It should be noted that in the interest of clarity, the limitswitch actuator 462 is not shown in FIG. 4 b.

In the first prescribed position, the terminal end of the plunger 452 isgenerally flush with the outer surface of the wall 408, thus preventingthe spring loaded pin 514 of the boot interface portion 500 fromentering the bore 418 within which the plunger 452 travels. Because thespring loaded pin 514 is not disposed in the bore 418, the bootinterface portion 500 is in an unlocked state with respect to theretention and release assembly 400, and can thus rotate relative to, andbe disengaged from, the retention and release assembly 400. In thesecond prescribed position, the terminal end of the plunger 452 has beenretracted with the bore 418, so that a space is defined in the bore 418between the outer surface of the wall 408 and the terminal end of theplunger 452. This space is able to accommodate a portion of the springloaded pin 514 of the boot interface portion 500. Because the springloaded pin 514 is partly disposed in the bore 418, the boot interfaceportion 500 is in a locked state with respect to the retention andrelease assembly 400, and in that state, cannot rotate relative to, orbe disengaged from, the retention and release assembly 400.

With more particular reference to the limit switch actuator 462 andlimit switch 464, when the limit switch actuator 462 moves into aposition that corresponds to either the first or second prescribedposition, the limit switch actuator 462 carried by the plunger 452physically engages an electromechanical element, that is, the switch arm464 a, of the limit switch 464 which then opens the switch, cuttingpower to the motor 454. Thus, once the plunger 452 is in either of thetwo prescribed positions, the motor 454 ceases operation, and theplunger 452 stops moving, because the limit switch 464 has cut power tothe motor 454.

When the user wants to release the snowboard, the user may employ awireless remote control device to cause the circuitry 600 to activatethe motor 454 by enabling power from the power source 456 to be suppliedto the motor 454. The motor 454 then moves the plunger 452, which isthen in the second prescribed position, to the first prescribedposition, thus unlocking the boot interface portion 500 from theretention and release assembly 400 as described above, at which pointthe power to the motor 454 is cut by the limit switch 464. In someembodiments, a timer circuit can be included as part of the circuitry600 so that after a set period of time, such as about 10 seconds forexample, power is again supplied to the motor 454 which then moves theplunger 452 back to the retracted, second prescribed, position, at whichpoint the power to the motor 454 is again cut by the limit switch 464.

E. Aspects of Binding Operation

With reference now to FIGS. 5a-5d , further details are providedconcerning user operation of the binding 300. In particular,illustrative states or positions of the binding 300 are indicated. Withreference first to FIG. 5a , the binding 300 is shown in a ridingposition in which the user is locked to the snowboard 200 by way of thebinding 300. To release the snowboard 200, the user can then activate awireless remote control, such as by pressing a button for example, andafter a pre-set time period which may be less than about 2 seconds forexample, the boot interface portion 500 is unlocked from the retentionand release assembly 400, in the manner disclosed elsewhere herein.After unlocking occurs, the user can then rotate his foot in thedirection indicated and then slide the boot interface portion 500 out ofengagement with the retention and release assembly 400. Some embodimentsof the binding 300 are configured so that a clockwise foot rotation ofabout 15 degrees is adequate to allow the user to disengage the bootinterface portion 500 from the retention and release assembly 400,although greater or smaller rotational angles could be used.

To reengage the boot interface portion 500 with the retention andrelease assembly 400 prior to riding, the user can slide the bootinterface portion 500 into engagement with the retention and releaseassembly 400 in the direction indicated in FIG. 5c until furthermovement of the boot interface portion 500 is not possible. The user canthen rotate his foot counterclockwise, about 15 degrees in someembodiments, until the boot interface portion 500 is locked intoengagement with the retention and release assembly 400, in the mannerdisclosed herein. This locking may be indicated by the loss of theability of the user to continue to rotate the boot interface portion 500relative to the retention and release assembly 300. As well, locking mayalso be indicated by a click sound from the binding 300 and/or otherfeedback that can be perceived by one of the senses of the user. In FIG.5d , the binding 300 is once again in the riding state indicated in thefirst view of FIG. 5a . It should be noted that the user can reengagethe boot interface portion 500 with the retention and release assembly400 prior to riding without any use of a remote control. That is, theremote control may only be needed for release of the snowboard 200.

F. Example Remote Release Control System

With attention now to FIG. 6, further details are provided concerningaspects of a control system for remote release of a toe piece. Oneexample embodiment of a control system, briefly noted above, is denotedat 600. The control system 600 includes a microcontroller 602, oneexample of which is a microcontroller (uC) from the Texas InstrumentsCC26xx and CC13xx family of cost-effective, ultralow power, 2.4-GHz andsub-1-GHz RF devices. Very low active radio frequency (RF),microcontroller current, and low-power mode current consumption provideexcellent battery lifetime and allow operation of the microcontroller602 on small coin-cell batteries, and in energy-harvesting applications.

The CC1310 device is a Sub-1-GHz device of cost-effective, ultralowpower wireless microcontrollers. The CC1310 device combines a flexible,very low power RF transceiver with a powerful 48-MHz Cortex-M3microcontroller in a platform supporting multiple physical layers and RFstandards. As well, a dedicated radio controller (Cortex-M0) handleslow-level RF protocol commands that are stored in ROM or RAM, thusensuring ultralow power and flexibility. The CC1310 device has excellentsensitivity and robustness (selectivity and blocking) performance. TheCC1310 device is a highly integrated, true single-chip solutionincorporating a complete RF system and an on-chip DC-DC converter.Sensors can be handled in a very low-power manner by a dedicatedautonomous ultralow power microcontroller that can be configured tohandle analog and digital sensors. Thus, the main microcontroller(Cortex-M3) is able to maximize sleep time. The CC1310 power and clockmanagement and radio systems require specific configuration and handlingby software to operate correctly. This has been implemented in the TImicrocontroller operating system (RTOS), which may be used for allapplication development on the microcontroller 602.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the control system 600 includes anantenna 604 configured for wireless communication with a remote controldevice (not shown). In at least some embodiments, the antenna 604 is alow profile 866 Mhz antenna. However, other RF antenna configurationsare enabled by use of the microcontroller 602, such as 433 Mhz and 915Mhz configurations for example. Still other antenna 604 configurationsinclude a Bluetooth version, and a dual band version.

The control system 600 further includes a buck-boost converter 606 whichis operable to supply a fixed regulated voltage required for the controlsystem 600, whether the control system is digital or analog. Thebuck-boost controller integrated circuit input voltage is taken from anypower source that is able to operate over a wide range of voltages, suchas those supplied by a chemical battery for example.

The power source 608 for the control system 600 may be a battery, suchas a chemical based lithium-ion battery for example. Allelectrical/electronic systems on the remote release binding are poweredby the battery 608. Other power sources may alternatively be usedhowever, as can other battery chemistries. As well, super capacitors canbe used to supply part or all of the power needed by the control system600.

The control system 600 further includes a battery charger 610 having anassociated charging port 612. In some embodiments, the battery charger610 takes the form of the MikroElektronika MCP73871 device (PID:MIKROE-2858), which is a fully integrated linear solution for systemload sharing and Li-Ion/Li-Polymer battery charge management with AC-DCwall adapter and USB port power source selection. The battery charger610 is also capable of autonomous power source selection between anexternal input and the battery 608. Along with its relatively smallphysical size, the low number of required external components makes theMCP73871 device ideally suited for portable applications. As such, thebattery charger 610 is well suited for use with the remote releasesnowboard binding embodiments disclosed herein.

As disclosed elsewhere herein, the control system 600 includes a limitswitch 614 (denoted at 464 in FIG. 4a ). The limit switch 614 is amechanical limit switch that, in general, senses the home position andrelease position of the retention and release assembly (see, e.g., FIG.4a ). The limit switch 614 operates in conjunction with a motor 616(denoted at 454 in FIG. 4a ) that is controlled by a motor controlcircuit 618. In some embodiments, the motor control circuit 618comprises an integrated H-Bridge configuration, although other suitableconfigurations could be used. Also, in order to accurately control themotor 616 and associated torque as part of a closed loop feedbacksystem, the microcontroller 602 may generate pulse width modulation(PWM) or various duty cycles and frequencies that are used for speed andtorque control of the motor 616.

Finally, the example control system 600 includes a DC/DC converter 620(motor power). In order to drive the motor 616 with an adequate amountof torque, the DC/DC converter 620 is used to boost the battery 608voltage to the voltage needed to drive the motor 616.

G. Example Remote Control Devices

Directing attention now to FIGS. 7 and 8, details are providedconcerning some example devices that a user can employ to remotelyactivate the retention and release assembly 400, thereby enabling theuser to rotate the boot interface portion 500 and slide the bootinterface portion 500 out of engagement with the retention and releaseassembly 400. In general, the circuitry employed to remotely activatethe retention and release assembly 400 can be incorporated into anydevice desired by a user and, as such, those devices are generallyreferred to herein as remote control devices. As discussed below,examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to, a key fobor similar device.

In general, embodiments of the remote control device 700 and retentionand release assembly 400 can communicate wirelessly with each otherusing any suitable wireless communication protocol or standard. In someembodiments, communication between the remote control device 700 and theretention and release assembly 400 can use radio frequency (RF)communication, or Bluetooth® technology and specifications, such as theBluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard for example. In at least someembodiments, the retention and release assembly 400 and the remotecontrol system 800 operate in a client-server/peripheral (respectively)relationship. Embodiments of the remote control system 800 can beoperated on the initiative of the user such that the user can activatethe retention and release assembly 400 to release the boot interfaceportion 500 from the retention and release assembly 400 at any time thatthe user desires.

In at least some embodiments, activation of the wireless communicationbetween the remote control device 700 and the retention and releaseassembly 400 can be implemented by way of an application (“App”), suchas a smartphone App for example. Thus, when a device including the App,such as a smartphone or other device, pairs with the retention andrelease assembly 400, the user can use the App to control the operationof the retention and release assembly 400. Correspondingly, thesmartphone and/or processors and devices can be configured tocommunicate using wireless communication protocols, such as the IEEE802.11X protocols, or the Bluetooth protocol.

Turning now to FIG. 7 in particular, details are provided concerningaspects of example remote controls, one particular example of which islocated on a key fob that is denoted generally at 700 and houses aremote control system 800. In terms of its overall configuration, thekey fob 700 can be of conventional construction and, as such, mayinclude a body 704. In this particular example however, the body 704defines a recess 704 a within which some or all components of a remotecontrol system 800 (see FIG. 8) are disposed, such as an activationbutton 816. The body 704 can additionally include a trap door 704 b orother mechanism that can be selectively moved by the user. The trap door704 b can be a sliding or swinging door for example, and may bespring-loaded by a biasing element 704 c, such as a spring for example,so as to be biased to a closed position. This location for the remotecontrol system 800 is well suited to enable the user ready access to theremote control system 800 functions when needed, but is otherwiseunobtrusive and does not interfere with the operation of the key fob700. The body 704 may also include a charging port 704 d that enablesthe remote control circuitry (not shown) to be connected to a chargingsource. The trap door 704 b and/or the body 704 may include a gasket orother sealing element to help prevent the ingress of snow, ice, water,and dirt into the recess 704 a when the trap door 704 b is closed.

In operation, the user can move, such as by rotating, the trap door 704b against the bias imposed by the biasing element 704 c to the positionshown in FIG. 7 so that the user can access the remote control system800. When the remote control system 800 is not in use, the trap door 704b can be moved by the user, or automatically by operation of the biasingelement 704 c, to a position where the remote control system 800 isinaccessible. Among other things then, the trap door 704 b can help toavoid inadvertent activation of any of the functions of the remotecontrol system 800. In at least some embodiments, the trap door 704 b,recess 704 a, and/or the body 704, include a seal, such as a gasket orO-ring for example, that helps to keep snow, water and ice from enteringthe recess 704 a. In at least some embodiments, the remote controlsystem 800 includes sealed buttons (see FIG. 8), such as rubber buttons,that allow the user to operate the remote control system 800notwithstanding the presence of snow, water and/or ice in the recess 704a.

With reference finally to FIG. 8, details are provided concerning thecircuitry and operation of an example remote control system 800. Theremote control system 800 includes a power source 802 which can be areplaceable battery, such as a CR2032 battery for example, in someembodiments, such as when the remote control system 800 is included in akey fob or similar device. In other embodiments, such as when the remotecontrol system 800 is included in the key fob 700, power can be suppliedfrom a single rechargeable Li-polymer battery. When this battery 802 isfully charged, it may provide 4.2Vdc.

In embodiments that employ a rechargeable battery, a controller 804 maybe provided that can be accessed by a charging port 806, which can be aUSB connection, for example. The controller 804 can be an LiPocontroller in the form of a stand-alone system load sharing andLi-Ion/Li-Polymer battery charge management controller. This controlblock employs a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) chargealgorithm with selectable charge termination point. As well, the LiPocontroller provides LiPo battery status to a micro-controller 808. Themicro-controller (uC+BLE) 808 can include a single micro-controller andBlue Tooth Low Energy and has a System On Chip (SOC) configuration.Finally, the LiPo controller 804 is supplied charge current or powerfrom the charging port 806.

The remote control system 800 can additionally include a buck-boostconverter 810 that produces a DC output of 3.3V. The output voltagemagnitude is either greater than or less than the input voltagemagnitude which is supplied from the power source 802. This supplies aregulated 3.3Vdc to the microcontroller 808 and other support circuitry.The buck-boost converter 810 can be omitted in embodiments that do notuse a rechargeable battery as a power source.

In the example of FIG. 8, the remote control system 800 also includesone or more light sources 812. In some embodiments, the light source(s)812 take the form of light emitting diodes (LED), and can emit light ofany color. The light sources 812 may be used to provide visualindication to a user concerning, for example, battery low condition, andlow radiated signal strength (RSSI).

In some embodiments of the remote control system 800, such as where theremote control system 800 is included in a fob for example, anaccelerometer 814 is provided that interfaces with the microcontroller808 via a two wire interface (TWI). The accelerometer 814 enables a userto initiate various functions simply by tapping the fob, or otherdevice, a certain number of times. For example, tapping the buttons 816of the fob 700 a programmed number of times produces an input to theaccelerometer 814 which is then used to initiate the boot interfaceportion release function. In this particular example, a hand held fobmay have a single button 816, which can be used to activate the bootinterface release function.

Finally, and as suggested earlier, the remote control system 800,regardless of whether it is employed in a hand-held device such as afob, or in a key fob 700, may include one or more antennas 818. Ingeneral, the antennas 818 enable wireless communication between theremote control system 800 and a corresponding retention and releaseassembly.

H. Alternative Embodiments

Directing attention now to FIGS. 9-12, details are provided concerningan example alternative embodiment of a remote release snowboard binding,designated generally at 900. In general, the components, configuration,and principles of operation, of the embodiment in FIGS. 9-12 may besimilar, or identical, to those of the other embodiments disclosedherein. As such, the following discussion is primarily directed toselected differences between the embodiments.

The snowboard binding 900 includes a boot interface portion 902 to whicha retention and release assembly 904 is attached. The retention andrelease assembly 904 includes a housing 904 a that is configured toreleasably engage a baseplate 906 which is attachable to a snowboard(not shown). The baseplate 906 may include various openings 906 a, suchas holes, slots, and/or grooves, to enable the attachment of thebaseplate to a snowboard. The baseplate 906 also includes a pin 906 bthat is at least partly disposed in an associated bore 906 c. Morespecifically, the pin 906 b is biased by a biasing element (not shown),such as a spring for example, which causes the pin 906 b to protrude outof the bore 906 c. As shown, the pin 906 b may be chamfered at itsterminal end.

The housing 904 a includes a bore 904 b in which a plunger 904 c isdisposed for reciprocal motion, similar to the plunger 452/bore 418arrangement disclosed elsewhere herein. The configuration and operationof the plunger 904 c and bore 904 b may be similar, or identical, tothat of the plunger 452 and bore 418, respectively. Thus, for example,some or all of the components of the retention and release assembly 400may be employed in connection with the plunger 904 c.

In operation, the boot of the user is releasably retained in the bootinterface portion 902 and the user can then place the boot interfaceportion 902 onto the baseplate 906 so that the flange 904 d ispositioned in the undercut 906 d defined by the baseplate 906. Theflange 904 d/undercut 906 d arrangement helps to retain the bootinterface portion 902 from pulling out of the baseplate 906. Once theboot interface portion 902 is correctly positioned relative to thebaseplate 906, the user can rotate the boot interface portion 902 untilthe protruding pin 906 b of the baseplate 906 is received in the bore904 b of the housing 904. The chamfered end of the pin 906 b enables thehousing 904 a to rotate into position without catching on the pin 906 b.When the pin 906 b is received in the bore 904 b, the boot interfaceportion 902 is locked in position and the user is ready to ride.Further, when the pin 906 b is received in the bore 904 b, the terminalend of the pin 906 b may be positioned near, or may be in contact with,a terminal end of the plunger 904 c.

When the user wants to disengage from the snowboard, the user canoperate the remote control, which causes the plunger 904 c to movewithin the bore 904 b, specifically, pushing the pin 906 b out of thebore 904 b until the terminal end of the plunger 904 c is flush, ornearly so, with the outer wall 904 e of the housing 904. As a result ofthis motion of the plunger 904 c, the pin 906 b is moved out of the bore904 b and the housing 904 is once again free to rotate relative to thebaseplate 906. The user can then rotate the boot interface portion 902relative to the baseplate 906, and then remove the boot interfaceportion 902 from the baseplate 906.

I. Aspects of Still Other Alternative Embodiments

With attention now to FIGS. 13a-13e , FIGS. 14a-14e , and FIG. 15,details are provided concerning some alternative embodiments of asnowboard binding with a mechanical retention and release assembly thatis manually operable by a user. The mechanical retention and releaseassembly can be employed in a snowboard binding as the sole mechanismbyway of which a user can release himself from a snowboard. In analternative configuration, the mechanical retention and release assemblymay be configured so that it can be operated manually by the user, aswell as remotely by the user as disclosed elsewhere herein. This latterconfiguration may be useful, for example, in case the remote actuationfunctionality should fail for some reason. The user could then releasethe snowboard binding manually. Thus, the mechanical release functionserves as a backup to the remote release function. Except as noted inthe following discussion, the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 13a-13e ,and FIGS. 14a-14e , may be similar, or identical, to one or more of theother embodiments disclosed herein.

With attention first to FIGS. 13a-13e , the example snowboard binding isdesignated generally at 1000 and includes a cable 1002 connected to arelease handle 1004 that may be T-shaped, or have any other suitableconfiguration that enables a user to quickly and securely grasp therelease handle 1004. In some embodiments, the handle 1004 may beintegral with an element of a boot interface portion 1006.

In general, the cable 1002 can be routed in any suitable manner thattends to prevent interference between the cable 1002 and othercomponents of the snowboard binding 1000. As well, the cable 1002 shouldbe routed in such a way that it is not unduly exposed to damage orimpacts. Further, it may be desirable to make the cable 1002 run asshort as possible, while still providing the necessary functionality.

Thus, in the example embodiment of FIGS. 13a-13e , a significant portionof the cable 1002 is routed within the structure of the boot interfaceportion 1006, specifically the sole 1008. Any other suitable cable 1002routing may be employed however. While not specifically shown in theFigures, the proximal portion 1002 a of the cable 1002 and the handle1004 may, for example, be connected on, or near, an upper portion of theboot interface portion 1006 so as to be conveniently located for manualuser operation. Other locations for the proximal portion of the cable1002 and the handle 1004 may alternatively be used. A distal portion1002 b of the cable 1002 is discussed below.

As generally indicated in FIG. 13e in particular, the cable 1002 may beconnected to an actuator assembly 1010. In more detail, the cable 1002includes a movable cable element 1002 c slidably received within aprotective sheath 1002 d, and a terminal end 1002 e of the cable element1002 c is releasably engaged with a pin 1012 that may be chamfered onthe end, as shown. The pin 1012 defines a slot 1012 a that is configuredand arranged to enable the terminal end 1002 e of the cable element 1002c to be positioned within, and removed from, another slot 1012 b of thepin 1012. As shown, the slot 1012 b is configured to have a length thatallows for some free play of the terminal end 1002 e, thereby enablingthe pin 1012 to retract. As well, a spring 1014 disposed between the endof the protective sheath 1002 d and the pin 1012 is configured andarranged so that the spring 1014 tends to resist movement of the pin1012 in the retraction direction (see FIG. 13e ).

With continued reference to FIG. 13e , the actuator assembly 1010 mayinclude one or more O-rings or other sealing elements 1016 to provide adynamic seal. That is, the sealing element(s) 1016 may collectively beof sufficient length to ensure that the pin 1012 remains sealed relativeto the sole 1008, regardless of the position or movement of the pin1012. While not specifically illustrated, one or more additional sealingelements may be provided on the protective sheath 1002 d to provide astatic seal between the protective sheath 1002 d and the sole 1008. Aswell, one or more clamps (not shown) may be used to fix the position ofthe protective sheath 1002 d relative to the sole 1008.

In operation, the pin 1012 is biased by the spring 1014 into a defaultextended position in which a portion of the pin 1012 is slidinglyreceived in a corresponding bore (not shown) defined by housing of aretention and release assembly, such as the bore 904 b of the housing904 a, for example. When the pin 1012 is so disposed, the boot interfaceportion 1006 is locked to the retention and release assembly.

The bias imposed by the spring 1014 can be overcome, and the bootinterface portion 1006 released from the retention and release assembly(not shown), when the user pulls on the handle 1004 that is attached tothe cable 1002, thereby retracting the pin 1012 from the aforementionedbore. When the pin 1012 has been retracted, the user can then rotate theboot interface portion 1006 and remove the boot interface portion 1006from the retention and release assembly.

Thus, in this embodiment, there may be no need for a plunger in the boreor for any moving parts in the housing that defines the bore, since thepin 1012 is affirmatively retracted from the bore by the user, ratherthan being pushed out of the bore by a plunger as in some otherembodiments disclosed herein. As such, where electronic remote controlfunctionality is not provided in the snowboard binding 1000, theretention and release assembly may simply comprise, or consist of, ahousing that defines a bore in which the pin 1012 is removably received.This housing may have the same, or similar, configuration as the housing406, for example, and all moving parts may be omitted from the housing.

As noted above, the user can use the cable 1002 to retract the pin 1012from a bore defined by a housing. Additionally, or alternatively,electronics, and a plunger, in the housing could be used to push pin1012 out of the bore. One example of such a housing and associatedmechanical and electrical components is disclosed in FIGS. 4a -4 c.

When the user releases the handle 1004, the spring 1014 acts on the pin1012 to return the pin 1012 to an extended position in which the pin1012 is received in the bore of the retention and release assembly, onceagain locking the boot interface portion 1006 to the retention andrelease assembly (not shown). To reenter the snowboard binding 1000, theuser does not need to pull the handle 1004. Rather, the user can simplyreenter the snowboard binding 1000 in the same manner as describedherein with respect to other embodiments of the invention.

With reference now to FIGS. 14a-14e , details are provided concerninganother example embodiment of a snowboard binding, designated generallyat 1100. Except as noted in the following discussion, the embodimentdisclosed in FIGS. 14a-14e , may be similar, or identical, to one ormore of the other embodiments disclosed herein, including the embodimentdisclosed in FIGS. 13a -13 e.

As shown, the snowboard binding 1100 may include a boot interfaceportion 1102 that includes a sole 1104 to which a housing 1106 ismounted. The housing 1106 may have a similar, or identical, size andconfiguration to any of the other housings disclosed herein, althoughthat is not necessarily required. The snowboard binding 1100 alsoincludes a cable (not shown) that may be connected to an actuatorassembly 1110 in the same, or identical, configuration and manner asindicated in FIGS. 13a -13 e.

As such, the actuator assembly 1110 includes a spring 1112 that acts ona pin 1114 that is slidingly received in a bore 1116 defined by thehousing 1106. As in the case of other disclosed housing embodiments, thehousing 1106 may be a single-piece construction and can be made ofmetals such as aluminum for example, composite materials, plastic, orother suitable materials.

With continued reference to the Figures, a baseplate 1118 is alsoprovided that is configured to be attached to a snowboard. Exampleattachment configurations are disclosed elsewhere herein. The baseplate1118 defines a bore 1120 configured to slidingly receive the pin 1114.In general, the baseplate 1118 interfaces with the housing 1106 in thesame, or similar, manner as in the case of other disclosed embodiments.As such, the user may enter the snowboard binding 1100 by placing thehousing 1106 onto the baseplate 1118 and rotating the boot interfaceportion 1102, to which the housing 1106 is attached, until the pin 1114,biased into an extended position by the spring 1112, is received in thebore 1120. At this point, the boot interface portion 1102 is locked ontothe baseplate 1118. No operation or movement of the cable (not shown) isrequired to effect locking of the boot interface portion 1102 onto thebaseplate 1118.

When the user pulls a handle (not shown) attached to the cable (notshown), the bias exerted by the spring 1112 on the pin 1114 is overcome,and the pin 1114 is retracted from the bore 1120 against the biasimposed by the spring 1112. While the pin 1114 is still retracted, theuser can then rotate the boot interface portion 1102, to which thehousing 1106 is attached, thereby disengaging the housing 1106 from thebaseplate 1118. The user can then release the handle, freeing the spring1112 to act on the pin 1114 so that the pin 1114 again assumes theextended position. To reenter the snowboard binding 1100, the user doesnot need to pull the handle. Rather, the user can simply reenter thesnowboard binding 1100 in the same manner as described herein withrespect to other embodiments of the invention.

As further shown in FIGS. 14a-14e , a mounting plate 1122 may also beprovided which can be permanently, or removably, connected to thebaseplate 1118. In general, the mounting plate 1122 may define one ormore different fastener patterns 1124, which may take the form of holes,slots, or grooves, for example, that may be used to attach the mountingplate 1122 to the snowboard (not shown) or other snow sport device. Suchfasteners may take the form of bolts, screws, rivets, or any othersuitable type of fastener. As best shown in FIG. 14e , the mountingplate 1122 may be configured to be received in an opening 1118 a definedby the baseplate 1118 such that the outer rim 1122 a of the mountingplate 1122 is supported by a flange 1118 b defined by the baseplate1118. In this way, the baseplate 1118 is securely held to the snowboardby the mounting plate 1122. In at least some embodiments, the mountingplate 1122 is interchangeable with another mounting plate having adifferent fastener pattern than the mounting plate 1122. In this way,the snowboard binding 1100 can be readily adapted to a wide variety ofmounting configurations.

With reference finally to FIG. 15, details are provided concerning afurther alternative embodiment of a snowboard binding, which is denotedgenerally at 1200. The snowboard binding 1200 may include a housing1202, which may be similar, or identical, in its size and/orconfiguration to other housings disclosed herein. As in the case ofother disclosed embodiments, the housing 1202 may be mounted to the soleof a boot interface portion (not shown). An actuator assembly 1204 maybe partly, or completely, disposed in the housing 1202. The actuatorassembly 1204 may be attached to a cable 1206 that enters the housing1202 by way of a bore 1208 defined by the housing 1202. A distal portion1206 a of the cable 1206 may be clamped (not shown), or otherwise fixed,to the housing 1202 at a location near the bore 1208. The cable 1206 maybe routed to a location, such as the back of a boot interface portion,where a handle (not shown) attached to the cable 1206 may be securelygrasped by a user.

In more detail, the cable 1206 includes a movable cable element 1206 bslidably received within a protective sheath 1206 c and includes aterminal end 1206 d rotatably connected to a cam 1210 which, in turn, isrotatably connected to the housing 1202 by way of a pin or shaft 1211.Thus, when a user pulls on the movable cable element 1206 b so as toeffect a release of the boot interface portion from the snowboard, thecam 1210 is caused to rotate counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 15.Because the movable cable element 1206 b passes through a spring 1212,this counterclockwise motion of the cam 1210 overcomes the bias imposedon the cam 1210 by the spring 1212 and serves to compress the spring1212.

As the cam 1210 rotates counterclockwise in response to a user pulling ahandle attached to the cable 1206, a corresponding rotation of a camsurface 1210 a acts on the end of a plunger 1214 that is configured andarranged for reciprocal motion in a bore 1216 defined by the housing1202. In particular, the counterclockwise rotational motion of the cam1210 causes the cam surface 1210 a to drive the plunger 1214 furtherinto the bore 1216, thus pushing a spring-loaded pin (not shown) out ofthe bore 1216, thereby disengaging the housing 1202 from a baseplate(not shown). As the foregoing suggests, the spring-loaded pin may be anelement of, and reside at least partially in, a baseplate. Moreover, thespring-loaded pin may be biased into an extended position in which thespring-loaded pin is at least partially positioned in the bore 1216,such that the baseplate is releasably locked to the housing 1202.

When the user releases the handle (not shown) attached to the cable1206, the spring 1212 is free to act on the cam 1210, causing the cam1210 to rotate clockwise and thereby allow the pin 1214 to move backtoward the interior of the housing 1202. This movement of the pin 1214correspondingly allows the spring-loaded pin to once again extend fromthe housing 1202. To reenter the snowboard binding 1200, the user doesnot need to pull the handle attached to the cable 1206. Rather, the usercan simply reenter the snowboard binding 1200 in the same manner asdescribed herein with respect to other embodiments of the invention.When the user does so, the spring-loaded pin (not shown) enters the bore1216, thus locking the housing 1202 to the baseplate.

J. Example Computing Devices and Associated Media

The embodiments disclosed herein may include the use of a specialpurpose or general-purpose computer including various computer hardwareor software modules, as discussed in greater detail below. A computermay include a processor and computer storage media carrying instructionsthat, when executed by the processor and/or caused to be executed by theprocessor, perform any one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Insome embodiments, such a computer can take the form of a smartphone orother mobile communication device.

As indicated above, embodiments within the scope of the presentinvention also include computer storage media, which are physical mediafor carrying or having computer-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such computer storage media can be anyavailable physical media that can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer.

By way of example, and not limitation, such computer storage media cancomprise hardware such as solid state disk (SSD), RAM, ROM, EEPROM,CD-ROM, flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother hardware storage devices which can be used to store program codein the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures,which can be accessed and executed by a general-purpose orspecial-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functionalityof the invention. Combinations of the above should also be includedwithin the scope of computer storage media. Such media are also examplesof non-transitory storage media, and non-transitory storage media alsoembraces cloud-based storage systems and structures, although the scopeof the invention is not limited to these examples of non-transitorystorage media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function orgroup of functions. Although the subject matter has been described inlanguage specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, itis to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appendedclaims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actsdescribed above. Rather, the specific features and acts disclosed hereinare disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

As used herein, the term ‘module’ or ‘component’ can refer to softwareobjects or routines that execute on the computing system. The differentcomponents, modules, engines, and services described herein may beimplemented as objects or processes that execute on the computingsystem, for example, as separate threads. While the system and methodsdescribed herein can be implemented in software, implementations inhardware or a combination of software and hardware are also possible andcontemplated. In the present disclosure, a ‘computing entity’ may be anycomputing system as previously defined herein, or any module orcombination of modules running on a computing system.

In at least some instances, a hardware processor is provided that isoperable to carry out executable instructions for performing a method orprocess, such as the methods and processes disclosed herein. Thehardware processor may or may not comprise an element of other hardware,such as the computing devices and systems disclosed herein.

In terms of computing environments, embodiments of the invention can beperformed in client-server environments, whether network or localenvironments, or in any other suitable environment. Suitable operatingenvironments for at least some embodiments of the invention includecloud computing environments where one or more of a client, server, ortarget virtual machine may reside and operate in a cloud environment.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and rangeof equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A snowboard binding, comprising: a retention and release assembly configured to be mounted to a snowboard, and including a manually operable retention mechanism; and a boot interface portion configured to releasably engage the retention and release assembly, and the boot interface portion further configured to releasably retain a boot, and when the boot interface portion is fully engaged with the retention and release assembly, the boot interface portion is rotatable relative to the retention and release assembly.
 2. The snowboard binding as recited in claim 1, wherein when the boot interface portion is fully engaged with the retention and release assembly, the boot interface portion is rotatable between (i) a locked position in which the boot interface portion is locked to the retention and release assembly and (ii) an unlocked position in which the boot interface portion is unlocked from the retention and release assembly.
 3. The snowboard binding as recited in claim 2, wherein one of the retention and release assembly and the boot interface portion comprises a pin that is configured to be removably received in a bore defined by the other of the retention and release assembly and the boot interface portion, and when the boot interface portion is in the locked position, the pin is positioned in the bore, and when the boot interface portion is in the unlocked position, the pin is not positioned in the bore.
 4. The snowboard binding as recited in 3, wherein the pin is an element of the boot interface portion, and the bore is defined by the retention and release assembly.
 5. The snowboard binding as recited in claim 1, wherein the retention and release assembly is configured to be mounted to a channel mount system of a snowboard.
 6. The snowboard binding as recited in claim 1, wherein the boot interface portion is lockable to the retention and release assembly by the retention mechanism such that the boot interface portion is prevented from rotational motion or translational motion relative to the retention and release assembly.
 7. The snowboard binding as recited in claim 1, wherein the boot interface portion is configured for both rotational motion and translational motion relative to the retention and release assembly when the boot interface portion is fully engaged with the retention and release assembly.
 8. The snowboard binding as recited in claim 1, wherein the boot interface portion defines an undercut having a triangular cross section, and the retention and release assembly comprises a flange having a triangular cross section, and the undercut and flange are configured to releasably engage each other.
 9. The snowboard binding as recited in claim 8, wherein the undercut is laid out in a U-shape.
 10. The snowboard binding as recited in claim 1, wherein the retention mechanism is biased into a locked position with respect to the boot interface portion.
 11. An apparatus, comprising: a snow sport device; and a binding, comprising: a retention and release assembly configured to be mounted to a snowboard, and including a manually operable retention mechanism; and a boot interface portion configured to releasably engage the retention and release assembly, and the boot interface portion further configured to releasably retain a boot, and when the boot interface portion is fully engaged with the retention and release assembly, the boot interface portion is rotatable relative to the retention and release assembly.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the snow sport device comprises a snowboard.
 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the snow sport device is a snowboard that includes a channel mount system, and the retention and release assembly is configured to connect to the channel mount system.
 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the boot interface portion is configured for both rotational motion and translational motion relative to the retention and release assembly.
 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein one of the retention and release assembly and boot interface portion comprises a pin that is configured to be removably received in a bore defined by the other of the retention and release assembly and boot interface portion.
 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the retention mechanism is biased into a locked position with respect to the boot interface portion.
 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein when the boot interface portion is fully engaged with the retention and release assembly, the boot interface portion is rotatable between (i) a locked position in which the boot interface portion is locked to the retention and release assembly and (ii) an unlocked position in which the boot interface portion is unlocked from the retention and release assembly.
 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the boot interface portion defines an undercut having a triangular cross section, and the retention and release assembly comprises a flange having a triangular cross section, and the undercut and flange are configured to releasably engage each other.
 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the boot interface portion is lockable to the retention and release assembly by the retention mechanism such that the boot interface portion is prevented from rotational motion or translational motion relative to the retention and release assembly. 